Making the Break: Establishing a New School

Abstract

Huberman’s observation on teachers with 7–18 years of experience in the classroom highlights a key moment in many careers. The instinct for discovery or adventure that attracts people to language teaching sooner or later leads them to unexpected places. The pursuit of greater understanding leads some into higher education, while a desire for greater independence or control over their professional circumstances prompts others to dip their toes in the uncertain waters of freelance activity. Occasionally, if the market permits and sufficient money can be scraped together, some teachers take the more drastic step of going into business for themselves, establishing their own language school and shifting their professional life onto a precarious balance of risk and reward. What follows is a case study of such a move, following its complete trajectory from conception to conclusion.

having been a few times round the block, teachers may be ready for new challenges, for new stimulation.

Copyright information

Authors and Affiliations

Keith Richards

There are no affiliations available

About this chapter

Cite this chapter as:

Richards K. (2008) Making the Break: Establishing a New School. In: Garton S., Richards K. (eds) Professional Encounters in TESOL. Communicating in Professions and Organizations. Palgrave Macmillan, London